As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his first trip to Asia since returning to office, speculation is growing about a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his stop in South Korea. This would mark their first summit since their impromptu meeting at the Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019, which was aimed at reviving stalled nuclear talks. While many experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of another spontaneous meeting, some predict that Trump and Kim could eventually resume talks in the coming months. However, others argue that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since 2019, with North Korea expanding its nuclear capabilities and strengthening alliances with Russia and China, making immediate diplomacy less probable. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to restore dialogue with Kim, praising their past relationship and calling the North Korean leader “a smart guy.” Kim, in turn, has hinted at a possible return to talks if the U.S. abandons its insistence on denuclearization. Despite these signals, neither Washington nor Pyongyang has indicated any high-profile meetings ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Observers note that Kim’s leverage has grown significantly, with an enlarged nuclear arsenal and stronger diplomatic backing, potentially reducing his urgency for talks. While a Trump-Kim meeting could provide a diplomatic boost for both leaders, experts caution that meaningful progress remains uncertain, given the complex dynamics and entrenched positions on both sides.
Trump-Kim meeting speculation flares ahead of US president’s visit to South Korea
